Honolulu firefighters return to Ala Moana Center parking garage after electrical fire rekindles

Honolulu firefighters returned to Ala Moana Center today after an early-morning fire rekindled in the parking garage under the complex.

Eleven units with 45 firefighters responded to the fire in the shopping center’s sub-parking level at about 1:50 a.m.

Honolulu Fire Department spokesman Capt. Scot Seguirant said the first unit arrived minutes later to find thick black smoke coming from the parking area.

“This fire was difficult for firefighters with zero visibility due to thick black smoke and radio communications impacted by operating in the lowest level of the shopping center,” he said.

Firefighters brought the fire under the control at about 2:55 a.m. and extinguished it at 3:52, he said. No injuries were reported.

HFD briefly issued a third alarm for the blaze but the extra personnel and resources were not needed because firefighters were able to get the fire under control, he added.

After leaving the scene about 5 a.m., firefighters were called back at 11:36 a.m. because of smoldering found behind a concrete wall. Seguirant said the rekindle was extinguished but monitored for any increase of heat in the area.

The fire was isolated to the sub-parking area and no businesses were affected, he said.

HFD investigators have determined that the fire was accidental and caused by arcing in an extension cord used to charge a motorized cart.

Damages are estimated to be $550,000 to the structure and $180,000 to its contents, fire officials said.

“The HFD does not recommend extension cords be used as permanent wiring,” fire officials said in a news release. “Even if you unplug it at the end of the day, using an extension cord every day is considered permanent wiring. We recommend consulting a licensed electrician for permanent solutions that meet the demands of your specific needs.”